An Invitation

Reminisce

Take some time to think about stories, memories or messages that you would like to convey. It may be helpful to make notes over time when stories and thoughts spring to mind.

You may like to read from a fully written speech or from dot points to prompt your memory. Your Story Gift recording does not need to be perfect, as coughs, pauses etc will be edited out. Your gift will be curated with fitting music into a smooth listening experience.

Planning

Your Story

If you speak from the heart, directly to Your Loved One, your greeting will be a lovely contribution!

Please aim for a 3 -10 minute message.

Please Include:
Your Name
Celebration Greeting e.g. Happy birthday, Happy anniversary, welcome new baby! etc
1-5 words or ways to describe Your Loved One
3-10 minutes of stories, memories or thoughts

Speak from the heart

Story Ideas

Childhood memories
Sibling memories
How, when, where and why you met
Early memories together
School memories
Work memories
Why you became friends
Travel stories
Funny moments you have shared
Ways in which you value Your Loved One
Reasons for Your Loved One to feel proud
Reasons you feel grateful for Your Loved One
Your Loved One's habits or quirky ways
Sing a song, play an instrument, read a poem!
Wishes for Your Loved One's future

Speak approximately 20cm away from your phone or computer microphone. You may like to use headphones with an in-built microphone.

Record your story from your phone or computer desktop.

The Recording Environment

IMPORTANT: If you are recording on a mobile phone, gently tap the screen intermittently during your recording to prevent the phone from becoming idle. The recording may be interrupted if the phone 'goes to sleep' .

If possible, record in a room with carpet and/or curtains and avoid rooms with tiles or high ceilings.

Recording at night is recommended to minimise background noise.

Turn off loud appliances e.g. fans or heaters.

Please record without pets in the room.

When it is time to record your gift, please do a 'test recording' to check the audio quality.

To do this, start your recording and talk for a few seconds about any topic.

Press the 'STOP' button.

Then, press the small grey arrow button on the upper left of recording frame, to play your message back.

Is it a good volume? Is your voice nice and clear?

If so, simply press 'START AGAIN' and start your gift recording.

You can re-record your message as often as you like before submitting.

Recording your story

Allowing Microphone Access

You may need to allow microphone access on your device to record your voice.

After pressing 'Record', a small screen may pop up to prompt you. If so, click "Allow" for microphone access.
Then, you can record your story gift.

If you don't see a ‘pop-up’ screen requesting microphone access, please follow the instructions below for iOS, Android, or desktop computers:

iOS (iPhone/iPad)
Open Settings:
Tap on the "Settings" app on your home screen.
Scroll and Find Your Internet Browser, e.g, Chrome, Safari:
Scroll down and locate "Chrome/Safari etc" in the list.
Microphone Settings:
Tap on "Chrome/Safari" and find "Microphone" in the Privacy & Security section.
Enable Microphone Access:
Toggle the switch next to "Microphone" to allow access for the website.

Android
Open Settings:
Navigate to your device's "Settings" app.
Apps or Application Manager:
Look for "Apps" or "Application Manager" in the settings.
Find Browser App:
Locate and select the browser you use (e.g., Chrome).
App Permissions:
Look for "Permissions" or "App Permissions" within the browser settings.
Enable Microphone:
Enable the toggle for "Microphone" to grant access.

Desktop (Windows/Mac):
Google Chrome:
Open Chrome Settings:
Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Settings."
Privacy and Security:
Under "Privacy and security," click on "Site settings."
Microphone Settings:
Scroll down to find "Microphone" settings.
Allow Microphone Access:
Make sure the website is not blocked, and set it to "Allow."

Safari (Mac)
Open Safari Preferences:
Click on "Safari" in the top menu bar and select "Preferences."
Websites Tab:
Navigate to the "Websites" tab.
Microphone Settings:
On the left sidebar, select "Microphone."
Allow Microphone Access:
Find the website in the list and choose "Allow."

Need help?

If you need help with your recording, or if your would prefer to record your greeting over the phone, please contact Louise at hello@thestorycollection.com.
www.thestorycollection.com

Warmly,

Louise Rosati

Story Curator